When Philadelphia’s six-time All-Star second baseman Chase Utley reportedly cleared revocable waivers last week, it wasn’t because no team wanted the 36-year-old, who just recently got his average above the .200 mark.
Utley is seen as a great teammate and clubhouse presence, as well as a clutch postseason player—he hit five home runs in the 2009 World Series, as the Phillies lost in six.
Utley cleared waivers partly because he wasn’t hitting like he used to, but mainly because he’s owed more than $6 million this season, as well as another $2 million for his buyout next season—unless he somehow reaches 500 plate appearances (he’s still 223 short), which would trigger a mammoth $15 million vesting option for 2016.
